Contemplate the story of faith, tireless dedication, and a vision for a world free of suffering. It leads us to the Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil.
This church’s journey began in Japan in 1935. Mokiti Okada founded it. He is known as Meishu-Sama. This translates to “Lord of Light”. The Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil arrived in Brazil in June 1955.
The Igreja Messiânica’s central practice is Johrei. Johrei means transmitting Divine Light. This is done through the palms of the hands. Anyone can practice it.
The Igreja Messiânica seeks to build a “Paraíso Terrestre”. This is a world without disease, poverty, and conflict. It aims to blend religious values with material progress. The Igreja Messiânica sees itself as an ultra-religion. It welcomes all faiths. It promotes unity and improvement.
Josefina de Castelli from Rio de Janeiro found her place here. She says the church’s goal is to make others happy. This resonated with her deeply.
In 1951, Kajyu Nakamura was the first Messianic to arrive in Brazil. He was a federal deputy. He was part of a Japanese government commission. This commission aimed to restore emigration from Japan to Brazil.
Teruko Sato immigrated to Brazil at 18. She wanted to spread Johrei and the Messianic faith. In November 1954, she received the first image of the Divine Light. She also got a photograph of Meishu-Sama for the altar. She brought ten Ohikari. These were for people who wanted to become Johrei ministers.
Minister Nobuhiko Shoda and missionary Minoru Nakahashi arrived in Brazil in August 1955. Dissemination activities then began. The first Ohikari in Brazil was granted to Mr. Otsuo Baba in September 1955.
Initially, activities were in São Paulo and Paraná. This was due to language limitations. Many Japanese immigrants lived there.
The church expanded. Young missionaries were sent to Brazil. By 1962, the church had 1,315 Johrei ministers.
In July 1962, the first group of missionaries from Japan arrived in Brazil. In April 1966, Minister Sei’iti Nonoguti was sent by the General Headquarters.
The Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil established its first headquarters in Londrina in 1963. In 1964, it became a legal entity.
Minister Tetsuo Watanabe moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1964. He expanded the faith to different regions.
In 1965, the Headquarters of the World Messianic Church in Brazil was founded. The first periodical, called “Glória”, was written in Portuguese.
The church inaugurated its first headquarters in Rio de Janeiro in January 1969. In 1995, the Guarapiranga Sacred Soil was inaugurated.
Today, the Igreja Messiânica has over 500 religious units in Brazil. Messianics dedicate themselves to serving others. They practice altruistic love.
Remember the Igreja Messiânica Mundial do Brasil. It embodies faith, service, and a vision of harmony. It strives for a world where everyone can find happiness and well-being.